The clock is ticking on the Portland Trail Blazers’ playoff hopes, with the road to the tournament starting here. But can they manage without their star?
As you might recall, it hasn’t been all that long since these two squads went to war. Just nine days ago, the Portland Trail Blazers suffered a crippling 117-138 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans, who are also putting together a compelling case for the postseason.
To make matters worse, Damian Lillard suffered a groin injury in the blowout loss that has had him sidelined ever since. While these injuries typical only last the span of a few weeks, it’s been difficult extracting a clear timetable for his return from the organization.
In an interview with Rip City Radio on Tuesday, head coach Terry Stotts delivered a concerning statement regarding the superstar’s health.
"With groins, you just don’t know. It could be a week, it could be a month. Who knows? — Terry Stotts"
The Trail Blazers now face the reality of having to endure a critical stretch of approximately three to five games without Lillard in action. Others will have to soon step up in order to keep Portland in the playoff chase.
Here’s how you can watch tonight’s game and what to expect as it all unfolds.
Follow the Action
- Date: Friday, February 21, 2020
- Time: 7:30 p.m. PST
- Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
- Watch: ESPN, NBC Sports Northwest, Hulu Live
- Listen: Rip City Radio 620
Game Odds
Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers
- PG: Anfernee Simons
- SG: CJ McCollum
- SF: Trevor Ariza
- PF: Carmelo Anthony
- C: Hassan Whiteside
- Injury report: Out – Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, Rodney Hood, Mario Hezonja
New Orleans Pelicans
- PG: Lonzo Ball
- SG: Jrue Holiday
- SF: Brandon Ingram
- PF: Zion Williamson
- C: Derrick Favors
- Injury report: Out – Kenrich Williams, Darius Miles
Check back in after the action’s concluded for post-game analysis and more of your latest Rip City news.